A Retford man who was under the influence of alcohol and drugs killed a cyclist while passing a group of cyclists on a country road. He was sentenced to prison.
After enjoying a night out the night before, Jack Bingley was driving a van along Cottam Lane in Treswell on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at around 9.20am.
When he came to a group of nine seasoned cyclists riding two abreast ahead of him, he had two female passengers with him. They stretched into single file, getting ready to make a right turn.
As they approached the intersection of Rampton Road, Bingley beeped his horn and started to pass them, even though one of his passengers pleaded with him not to.
The Trent Vikings Cycling Club chairman, Robert Noble, 57, was riding at the front. He had signalled a right turn with his arm and moved to the centre of the road before entering the intersection.
Mr. Noble was nearly finished with his turn when the van that was passing him quickly struck him in the side, sending him flying into a ditch beside the road.
He tragically passed away from his wounds despite the best efforts of friends and emergency personnel who attended to him on the scene.
Bingley, of Devonshire Road, Retford, drove away from the scene without stopping.
Bingley’s van had also caught the attention of another rider, who fell and sustained soft tissue injuries.
The 26-year-old’s passengers begged him to stop and turn around several times, but he disregarded them.
He gave in to the two women’s demands and let them out just before he got to South Leverton.
The passengers returned to the scene and reported the incident to the authorities.
Around 11.30 am, Bingley came back to the scene and gave his identity to the police.
He completed the roadside alcohol and drug test, which revealed that he tested positive for cocaine or its metabolites and over the legal alcohol limit.
After his arrest, charges were brought against him.
Expert testimony attested to the fact that Bingley would have been intoxicated at least twice when the collision occurred.
Bingley admitted guilt to causing death by dangerous driving and appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, August 16, for sentencing.
He was sentenced to nine years in prison and prohibited from driving for five years after his release.
“Rob was a larger-than-life figure, well-known in the local community for his thunderous laugh and outgoing nature,” the Lincolnshire-based Mr. Noble’s family said in a statement.
“He was well-known to many through his endeavours, including cycling clubs, as well as his plumbing, heating, and electrical business, which continues in his absence.”
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Noble’s family and friends and his fellow cycle club members who are understandably devastated by this incident,” Nottinghamshire Police Detective Constable Andrew Fawcett stated.
“Bingley’s stupid and senseless decision to drive while still extremely intoxicated and under the influence of drink and drugs resulted in this completely avoidable death.
“Everyone has a right to be on our roads, and there is space for everyone,” he continued.
“We all have a duty to make our roads a safer place, so we encourage all road users to show consideration and respect for each other’s safety.”
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